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This Month … In the Garden
MARCH
THE SUNNIER DAYS ARE MORE FREQUENT , THE DAYS ARE LONGER , AND THE WEATHER ( A LITTLE ) WARMER , SO SPRING IS VERY NEAR HERE , AND BY MID-MARCH WE SHOULD START SEEING A LOT MORE ACTIVITY IN THE GARDEN . MARCH CAN BE THE MOST EXCITING TIME IN THE GARDEN , WHERE YOU START TO GET BUSY THINKING ABOUT SOWING YOUR SEEDS AND PLANTING YOUR SUMMER FLOWERING BULBS .
MARCH ’ S TOP 5 TIPS :
Plant summer flowering bulbs
It ’ s time to start thinking about planting your summer flowering bulbs and the blooms that will bring your garden to life with colour this year . Dahlias and lilies are a good place to start and are sure to set the scene if you ’ re looking for a little wow factor . Lilies are large and showy and will contribute to an exotic feel that comes back year after year . Begonias are also a must in the garden ; these trendy summer flowering plants are easy to grow , and you can start by planting them early .
What to prune ?
• Rose bushes & shrubs
• Hydrangeas
• Honeysuckle
• Jasmine
• Wisteria - If you haven ’ t done so already
Start thinking about your veg
Planting at this time of year is getting well underway , but before you start , you must spend a little time preparing the soil . Vegetables will thrive in good soil conditions , so considering your bed ' s health is essential . Start by digging over your bed ( s ) and enriching the soil by adding an organic matter like compost , fertiliser or manure ; you should be able to get your hands on this at most garden centres . Digging over the soil will break down the matter and allow the air to circulate , making for the perfect growing conditions . Keep an eye on water if there is a lot of rain ; veg won ' t do well in compacted , sodden soil .
Tidy up your perennials
At this time of year you should start to see new growth on your perennials , but it ’ s important to make sure that you have cut them back before this new growth becomes too advanced . If you cut them right back before they ’ re too advanced you won ’ t damage them and they should have a great year !
Remember the wildlife
Although the weather may have improved ever so slightly , it ’ s still pretty chilly , making it a necessary time to consider wildlife in the garden . Hedgehogs will start emerging from their hibernation period in mid-March and need to start building up their energy for their breeding months . Leaving out some water and meat-based dog or cat food will go down a treat with these spiky beauties . Keep your bird feeders topped up with calorific goodies such as sunflower seeds , fat balls and suet nibbles . Start to think about your pond health , and consider planting water plants that will oxygenate the water and provide shelter for breeding and preying animals .
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